Image Source: India Today
In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian higher education, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) celebrated a significant milestone by awarding degrees to 867 students in its very first batch of four-year BS degree programs. The convocation, which took place on June 8, 2025, honored graduates from the BS in Data Science and Applications and BS in Electronic Systems—making them the first cohort of its kind in the nation.
Key Highlights
Historic First Cohort: A total of 867 students graduated, marking the completion of IIT Madras's inaugural four-year BS degree batch.
Widening Access: Currently, over 38,000 students are enrolled in these flexible online programs, with more than 52% juggling their degree alongside another undergraduate course.
Inclusivity and Scholarships: Nearly 150 graduates come from families earning less than ₹1 lakh annually, while another 100 hail from households with incomes under ₹5 lakh. Additionally, over 10,000 low-income learners benefit from significant scholarship support, with nearly 5,000 receiving full fee waivers.
Industry-Ready Curriculum: Crafted in collaboration with industry experts, the curriculum focuses on practical skills, employability, and hands-on project work, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the job market.
Academic Excellence: Students from the BS program achieved three of the top 10 ranks in the GATE Data Science and AI paper, including the top scorer, an MBBS graduate from AIIMS Delhi.
Diverse Backgrounds: This cohort features students from a wide range of age groups and backgrounds, including working professionals like IAS officers.
Flexible Learning Model: The BS programs are offered online, with in-person quizzes and exams held at centers across India and abroad, making quality education accessible to everyone, regardless of age, location, or previous educational experience.
Strong Placements: Graduates have successfully secured placements and admissions to prestigious institutions such as IISc, ISB, IITs, and international universities, showcasing the program’s effectiveness.
Chief Guest Aravind Krishnan from Blackstone commended the initiative for democratizing data science education and nurturing talent that is relevant on a global scale. IIT Madras Director Prof. V Kamakoti highlighted the programme’s alignment with India’s development goals and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4—ensuring inclusive, equitable quality education for all.
“The BS Degree has changed the complete landscape of education in our country and we are very proud of it,” said Prof. V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras.
Source: India Today, The Hindu Business Line, IIT Madras Press Release
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